1 Corinthians 9:12

“If others are partakers of this power over you, etc.] Meaning not any tyrannical power and jurisdiction over them, with respect either to faith or practice; but the right of a maintenance, which either the false apostles, or the true ordinary ministers of the word there, justly claimed, and did enjoy: are not we rather? he and Barnabas, especially himself, who was more than an ordinary minister, an apostle, and the first preacher of the Gospel to them: nevertheless, we have not used this power; though others had, and they had a right to it, but did not choose to insist upon it; and, rather than do so, worked with their own hands; their not making use of this power was not because they stood…”

“others--whether true apostles (Co1 9:5) or false ones (Co2 11:20). we rather--considering our greater labors for you (Co2 11:23). suffer all things--without complaining of it. We desire to conceal (literally, "hold as a water-tight vessel") any distress we suffer from straitened circumstances. The same Greek is in Co1 13:7. lest we . . . hinder . . . gospel--not to cause a hindrance to its progress by giving a handle for the imputation of self-seeking, if we received support from our flock. The less of incumbrance and expense caused to the Church, and the more of work done, the better for the cause of the Gospel (Ti2 2:4).”

“If others - Other teachers living with you. There can be no doubt that the teachers in Corinth urged this right, and received a support. Be partakers of this power - Of this right to a support and maintenance. Are not we rather - We the apostles; we who have labored for your conversion; who have founded your church; who have been the first, and the most laborious in instructing you, and imparting to you spiritual blessings? Have not we a better claim than they?. Nevertheless we have not used this power - We have not urged this claim; we have chosen to forego this right, and to labor for our own support. The reason why they had done this, he states in the subsequent part of the chapter; see…”

“If others - Whether true or false apostles. Partake of this power - Have a right to be maintained. Do not we rather - On account of our having laboured so much more? Lest we should give any hinderance to the gospel - By giving an occasion of cavil or reproach. 1 Corinthians 9:14”

“9:12 Compared with other Christian workers supported by the Corinthians, Paul claimed an even greater right to be supported by them, because he was the one who first brought the Good News to them. But to avoid criticism, he had never used this right (see 9:6, 14-15, 18; cp. Acts 18:3; 2 Cor 11:7-9; 12:13-14).”

“others: Co2 11:20 are not: Co1 9:2, Co1 4:14, Co1 4:15 Nevertheless: Co1 9:15, Co1 9:18; Act 20:31-34; Co2 11:7-10, Co2 12:13, Co2 12:14; Th1 2:6-9; Th2 3:8, Th2 3:9 but: Co1 4:11, Co1 4:12, Co1 6:7 hinder: Gen 24:56; Neh 4:8; Luk 11:52; Rom 15:22; Co2 11:12 1 Corinthians 9:13”